The proposal of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage (Cretaceous System): Part 1

Authors

  • William A.P. Wimbledon School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RJ, United Kingdom
  • Daniela Reháková Department of Geology and Paleontology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Andrea Svobodová The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Tiiu Elbra The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Petr Schnabl The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Petr Pruner The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Krýstina Šifnerová The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Šimon Kdýr The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Geology, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
  • Oksana Dzyuba Trofi muk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Acad. Koptyug av. 3, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
  • Johann Schnyder Sorbonne Université, UPMC Université Paris 06, CNRS, Institut des Sciences de la Terre Paris (ISTeP), 75005 Paris, France
  • Bruno Galbrun Sorbonne Université, UPMC Université Paris 06, CNRS, Institut des Sciences de la Terre Paris (ISTeP), 75005 Paris, France
  • Martin Košťák Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic
  • Lucie Vaňková Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic
  • Philip Copestake Merlin Energy Resources Ltd., New Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2EJ, United Kingdom
  • Christopher O. Hunt School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool L3 3AH, United Kingdom
  • Alberto Riccardi CONICET - Museo de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
  • Terry P. Poulton Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, Alberta, T2L 2Al, Canada
  • Luc G. Bulot Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, Cerege, Site Saint-Charles, Case 67, 3, Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille Cedex 3, France NARG, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
  • Camille Frau Groupement d’Intérêt Paléontologique, Science et Exposition, 60 bd Georges Richard, 83000 Toulon, France
  • Luis De Lena Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland

Keywords:

Berriasian, GSSP definition, J/K boundary, global correlation, Calpionella alpina Subzone, markers and proxies

Abstract

Here in the first part of this publication we discuss the possibilities for the selection of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage of the Cretaceous System, based on the established methods for correlation in the Tithonian/Berriasian interval. This will be followed, in the second part, by an account of the stratigraphic evidence that justifies the locality of Tré Maroua (Hautes-Alpes, SE France) as the proposed GSSP. Here we discuss the possibilities for correlation in the historical J/K boundary interval, and the evolution of thinking on the positioning of the boundary over recent generations, and in relation to research in the last ten years. The Tithonian/Berriasian boundary level is accepted as occurring within magnetosubzone M19n.2n. The detailed distribution of calpionellids has been recorded at numerous sites, tied to magnetostratigraphy, and the base of the calpionellid Alpina Zone is taken to define the base of the Berriasian Stage. This is at a level just below the distinctive reversed magnetic subzone M19n.1r (the so-called Brodno reversal). We discuss a wide range of magneto­stratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from key localities globally, in the type Berriasian areas of France and wider regions (Le Chouet, Saint Bertrand, Puerto Escaño, Rio Argos, Bosso, Brodno, Kurovice, Theodosia etc.). The characteristic datums that typify the J/K boun­dary interval in Tethys and its extensions are detailed, and the correlative viability of various fossil groups is discussed. The boundary level is correlated to well-known J/K sections globally, and a series of secondary markers and proxies are indicated which assist wider correlation. Particularly significant are the primary basal Berriasian marker, the base of the Alpina Subzone (marked by dominance of small Calpionella alpina, Crassicollaria parvula and Tintinopsella carpathica) and secondary markers bracketing the base of the Calpio­nella Zone, notably the FOs of the calcareous nannofossil species Nannoconus wintereri (just below the boundary) and the FO of Nannoconus steinmannii minor (just above). Notable proxies for the boundary are: 1) the base of the Arctoteuthis tehamaensis Zone in boreal and subboreal regions, 2) the dated base of the Alpina Subzone at 140.22 ±0.14 Ma, which also gives a precise age estimate for the system boundary; and 3) the base of radiolarian “unitary zone” 14, which is situated just above the base of the Alpina Subzone.

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Published

2020-07-28

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